49ers training camp bubble watch: special teams standout Don Jones

With training camp approaching at the end of July, we’re taking a look at the 49ers that may find themselves in a fight to make the final 53-man roster.

Lost behind coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense and coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense is the special teams unit led by Richard Hightower. Hightower returns to the team after a year with the Chicago Bears after working as an assistant with the 49ers in 2015.

General manager John Lynch has made an effort to equip Hightower with players capable of making an impact in the 49ers’ third phase. Former Seahawks linebacker Brock Coyle has played in 35 games and totaled 13 special teams tackles, four made in the playoffs. Former Broncos linebacker Dekoda Watson led the team with 11 special teams tackles in 2016. Lynch also signed former Texans defensive back Don Jones.

A 2013 fifth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, Jones, 27, has spent time on five different NFL teams. He was waived by the Cleveland Browns after four games in 2016 and claimed by the Houston Texans. In just nine games, Jones (5-11, 195) led the team with 11 special teams tackles. He’s tallied 37 career special teams tackles in his four year NFL career.

It’s easy to see how the Arkansas State alum made his name on special teams. At the combine, Jones ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, had a 42-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-7-inch broad jump and 17 bench press reps of 225 pounds.

The 49ers signed Jones in March to a two-year deal worth $2.2 million. With $500,000 of his first year’s salary guaranteed, Jones seems to have a good chance of making the team’s final 53-man roster. Between Jones, Coyle and Watson, the 49ers have quality backups at their positions that are capable of being standout players on special teams.